The Apley Bake Off is set to be one of the county’s culinary highlights of 2016 at a farm shop near Bridgnorth.

Apley Farm Shop has compiled a programme of 30 minute demonstrations given by six of the county’s leading chefs: Chris Burt, owner of several restaurants in Shrewsbury including The Peach Tree & Momonoki, is one of the country’s most prolific recipe book writers, publishing a recipe book every month; James Sherwin appeared in the finals of Nigella’s ‘The Taste’ TV show; Suree Coates of the King & Thai in Broseley won Midlands Thai Chef of the Year in 2015; Stuart Philips is Head Chef of the Hundred House in Norton, the Apley Estate village within walking distance from Apley Farm Shop; Lajina Leal has rapidly developed a vibrant curry & spice business, supplying Shropshire restaurants & foodie shops; Gilly Clayton is already known to many for running the monthly Apley Cookery Club.

Chris Burt, Peach Tree restaurant head chef began “I’m sure it’ll be a day of international cuisines from local Shropshire chefs. Between us, we will demonstrate a wonderful mix of English, Japanese, Thai & Indian recipes.”

The day runs 10-4pm, so the demonstrations will begin on the half hour from 10:30am until 3:30pm. Chefs are given fresh, local & seasonal ingredients from the Apley butcher, Apley delicatessen & Apley Walled Garden.

“I want our customers to go away not only full of delicious food but also full of a wonderful culinary experience – to remember the day as one of the best in the year & to feel ‘culinary satisfaction’ ” began Lady [Harriet] Hamilton, Marketing Manager.

“All the chefs are incredibly busy, so we’re incredibly grateful for the time they’re given today to be at Apley for this event.

They’re all amongst Shropshire’s leading chefs. Being blessed with more than the UK’s fair share of great food & drinks producers has meant that Shropshire is already widely known as the foodie county. In turn, that has attracted & developed some of the country’s top chefs.

As a small thank you to all participating chefs, Apley Walled Garden has offered our Grown to Order® service, so they’ve created recipes around what’s growing in the garden specifically for them.

Lady Hamilton continued “People learn best by doing, so I created the ‘Have a Go’ tent. Personally that’s the bit I enjoy the most – trying it for myself. I hope those who have a go will go home with a day full of satisfying experiences. “

The ‘Have a Go’ tasks have been chosen to meet the varying levels of experience. “We know some visitors will be talented cooks in their own right, whereas others will have very limited culinary skills.”

Amy Holloway, Pigg’s Playbarn manager added “We’ve not forgotten the children – after all, that’s when a love of cooking often begins.“ Playbarn staff will offer a fun, cookery corner where children can experiment & create with their parents.

Lord Hamilton commented “No Bake Off would be complete without a competition, so customers are invited to bring in a cake, savoury tart or sweet tart by 12 noon on the day.”

Having reached the finals of Nigella Lawson’s The Taste TV show, local chef James Sherwin will judge the entries at 2pm & present prizes.

Many of the demonstrating chefs are featured in a very new recipe book called Signature Chefs, which features 75 of the finest chefs in the Heart of England & Wales – including 15 Michelin star chef recipes. The book is already available in Apley Farm Shop & chefs will be signing copies on 2 May. Chris Burt will also be bringing his very own latest recipe book, Momonoki – meaning Peach Tree, the name of one of his Shrewsbury restaurants.

Apley Farm Shop is holding its first ever Apley Bake Off on bank holiday Monday 2 May. The event will run all day from 10am to 4pm, starting with the first cookery demonstration at 10.30am by XX (say a bit about that chef). Other demonstrators include XXXX of XXX (mention any awards they’ve won).

As soon as each demonstration has finished, customers are invited to have a go themselves. In a separate tent, with ingredients & cooking equipment provided, customers can roll up their sleeves & try their hand at what they’ve just seen. The chef who has just demonstrated will be available to offer tips.

Customers are invited to enter the Apley Bake Off competition, but choosing a class & bring in on Monday 2 May what they’ve made at home. There are also special children’s classes. Classes range from XX to XX, catering for all cooking abilities. A professional chef will be invited to come & judge.

Lady Hamilton, Marketing Manager began “We’re sure it’ll be a hugely fun day for all the family – yet another free Apley event. As it’s all under cover, it won’t matter if there are some late April showers. If it’s a lovely day, the marquees will be open sided. I’m looking forward to smelling delicious wafts of wonderful culinary creations all over the site!

Lord Hamilton added “It’s something a bit different & is yet another way of increasing our customers’ knowledge of their food, its provenance & production. They get to meet talented local chefs & watch them at work“

Tina Buckland, General Manager explained “This is a unique type of cookery event – all the staff are really excited about it. We always organise something for all ages to ensure our events are family friendly – there’s something for everyone. “